Rally

Rally

The AKC Rally is a new event done by a handler and dog team. It is considered an intermediate event between Canine Good Citizenship (CGC) and Obedience.

Basically it entails walking a course with between 10 and 20 stations at a brisk pace. Unlike traditional obedience trials, the handlers can user multiple verbal commands or hand signals to encourage the dog through the stations. Similarly, the dog does not have to be in the traditional "heel" position, but be following the handler closely. Unlike Agility, the event is generally not timed.

The each station contains a single command such as

turn left

turn right

360 right turn

fast pace

slow pace

The advanced commands are more like obedience commands:

Call Dog Front–Finish Right–HALT– While heeling, the handler stops forward motion and calls the dog to the front position (dog sits in front and faces the handler). The handler may take several steps backward as the dog turns and moves to sit in the front position. Second part is the finish to the right, where the dog must return to heel position by moving around the right side of the handler. Dog must sit in heel position before moving forward with the handler. (Stationary exercise)

There are different levels for Rally -- novice, advance and excellent. In addition, there are non-standard competitions such as a pairs ( one handler and two dogs) and team competition.

Given this competition, it is quite feasible for one to practice in your backyard with a your our equipment.